Flash From the Past

As I was reading through my Day Zero List I realized that there was something on the list that I have already been done, but I did not have a blog entry for it! Maybe one of the things on my list should be to make my entries in a more timely fashion! The thing on the list with no entry is Participate in a Charity Walk In December, my good friend Jacqui and I participated in the Santa Hustle. Upon registering we received a free Santa hat and a Santa beard to wear during the event. We also got red Santa shirts to wear so everyone at the event looked like a Santa! Jacqui and I decided to take it a step further and wear tutus with our lovely Santa outfits so the night before I made us both tutus out of green and red tulle. This event was a fundraiser for the “Back on My Feet” program in Indianapolis. Here is some background information on the program taken from http://www.active.com/donate/bomfindy

Mission Statement: Back on My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of those experiencing homelessness by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.

Philosophy: Back on My Feet does not provide food nor does it provide shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. There are no labels, no stigmas and no stereotypes. At Back on My Feet, all members – regardless of race, education or socioeconomic status – join together to move their own lives forward as well as the lives of their teammates. Back on My Feet is much more than just running – it is a comprehensive program that offers connections to job training, educational scholarships and housing assistance. The benefits of Back on My Feet are earned through the currency of attitude, commitment, teamwork, respect, dedication and leadership.

Our Vision: Back on My Feet envisions a community where all members have the support and motivation required to move towards self –sufficiency. Every major city has a homeless problem and while providing food and shelter are very important basic needs, something is missing. We work to rebuild, revive and re-energize individuals. It is only when we have the self-respect, self-confidence that we are truly able to move forward. Back on My Feet focuses on helping our members find a road of happiness, hope and opportunity, which includes a stable job and a place to live. This is our goal and we will get there one step at a time.

The day of the Santa Hustle was relatively warm for a December day, but still a little on the chilly side. Jacqui and I received a lot of compliments on our awesome tutus! Especially as we were walking downtown to and from the after event brunch at the Cadillac Ranch. It was a great time!! Check out our lovely outfits below!

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“Dining with one’s friends is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal” ~Julia Child

Eat 3 Things I’ve never tried before Two weeks ago I drove to Lafayette, Indiana to meet up with one of my old roommates Marissa. She came to Indiana for a wrestling tournament and since she was only one hour away, I just could not resist the opportunity to catch up with an old friend in person! Plus, she was able to help me work towards crossing another task off of my list! We grabbed dinner at T.G.I. Friday’s and as common of a restaurant as it is, surprisingly, I had never been there before. To go along with a new place, I tried some new food! I sampled some Fried Green Beans. I was slightly surprised how crispy the actual green bean was on the inside and how much it still tasted like a green bean. I half expected to just taste the fried coating. Overall, they were good, but I must say I prefer regular green beans and my arteries probably do too! haha! Sadly, I did not take any pictures while I was there so I don’t have any to show. However, I did happen to find the recipe online so if you would like to try making your own here is what you will need and how to do it!

Ingredients
T.G.I. Friday’s Fried Green Beans Recipe

WASABI CUCUMBER RANCH DIP
½ cup bottled ranch dressing (Hidden Valley is best)
¼ cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, minced
1 tablespoon milk
1 ½ teaspoons prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon wasabi powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper

GREEN BEANS
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
6-8 ounces fresh green beans
1 cup flour
1 cup plain breadcrumbs or seasoned dry bread crumb
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
vegetable shortening, for frying or vegetable oil

Directions
T.G.I. Friday’s Fried Green Beans Recipe
Combine dip ingredients in blender.
Blend until smooth.

Place in bowl; cover and chill till ready to use.
Dip will thicken as it chills.
Place beans in the broth.
Bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes, then place in cold water to stop cooking process.
Mix beaten egg with milk in a shallow bowl.
Measure 1 cup of flour into another shallow bowl.
Combine bread crumbs, ¾ teaspoons salt, black pepper, onion powder and garlic powder into a third bowl.
Take a handful of beans out of the water and shake off excess liquid.
Coat the beans with the flour, shaking to remove excess flour.
Dip the beans, one at a time, into egg/milk mixture, then dip in breadcrumb mixture.
Place the beans on a plate until all are coated.
Heat the shortening or oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet (or use deep fryer).
Use enough to cover the beans, about 1½ inches.
Fry until golden brown, about 1½ minutes.
Drain on paper towels.
To serve, place on a large platter and serve with the wasabi cucumber ranch dip.
Enjoy!